Minister President Mike Eman expressed that the government as well as members of parliament from the governing AVP party are deeply concerned and doing their best to find a viable solution to keep Valero refinery open. In December Valero told Government that there is urgency for them to find a partner that has crude.

Government has intensified its contacts with PdVSA of Venezuela and Ecopetrol of Colombia, which are the two countries closest to Aruba with crude. PdVSA representatives have already visited Aruba. Members of Parliament have visited Colombia as well. Eman said the contact with Venezuela has also been intensive and he sees a great potential for establishing a partnership between PdVSA and Valero. However, there has been no decision and no concrete answers yet and the situation remains critical. Eman explained that the losses the refinery is suffering at present are considerable, low sales margins on refined products are causing negative financial results and it is difficult to predict what will happen in the coming months. While conversations continue with PdVSA and Ecopetrol, the Aruba government also has an upcoming meeting with the Brazilian energy minister scheduled.